Southside Campground - Lake Isabel

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Accessible via rough access roads, Southside Campground operates seasonally from May through September at $25 per night with advance reservations available. The National Forest campground accommodates RVs up to 30 feet with water and sewer hookups, though tight turns and narrow spots require careful maneuvering for larger rigs.

Sites sit close together in forested terrain near Lake Isabel, where campers fish and access rental paddle boats from the lodge across the water. Weekend crowds fill quickly, making early arrival essential for securing spots. The campground allows pets and campfires, with drinking water and restrooms provided. For additional camping options in the area, check campsites near Beulah.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS & CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS** STAGE 1 FIRE PROHIBITIONS **** PROHIBITIONS**Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Leadville, Salida, San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the Described Area:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in
    • A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
    • A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
    • A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.36 CFR 261.52(a).
  • Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. 261.52(b)
  • Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d)
  • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR 261.52(h) EXEMPTIONS Pursuantto36 C.F.R.261.50(e), thefollowingpersons areexemptfrom thisOrder:
  • Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
  • Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. DESCRIBEDAREA All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the exterior boundaries of the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, as depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A of this Order. PURPOSE Thepurposeof this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety. IMPLEMENTATION
  • This Order shall be in effect from August 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August November 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSouthside Campground is located in Colorado near Beulah

Detail location of campground
RV Park

Directions

From Pueblo, drive 25 miles south on Interstate 25 to exit 74. Go west 18 miles on state Highway 165. Turn into the main entrance at Lake Isabel Recreation Area. The campground is the first within the recreation area on the left.

Address

SAN CARLOS RANGER DISTRICT 3028 EAST MAIN STREET
Canon city, CO 81212

Coordinates

37.9827778 N
105.0575 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews1 Camper Review - Southside Campground

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3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Line ups and Lakes

NO vehicles over 30 feet in here...there are signs up and they mean it ha!  The spots are turns are tight, tight, tight.  We had wonderfully friendly neighbors for the weekend which was nice since we were so close.  

The lake is beautiful and great fishing too.  Word to the wise-this lake is popular on weekends so claim your spot early.  

You can rent peddle boats, canoes and stand up paddle boards at the lodge across the lake.  The people there were super friendly and the prices seemed reasonable as well.  

Great area-just not for anything big and be aware of the proximity to neighbors.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Southside Campground on Lake San Isabel?

Reservations for Southside Campground can be made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling their reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. The campground is typically open during the summer season, and reservations are recommended due to its popularity, especially on weekends. Be sure to book well in advance during peak summer months as sites fill quickly. When making your reservation, note that the campground has vehicle size restrictions that are strictly enforced.

What camping options are available at Lake San Isabel?

Southside Campground offers traditional tent and small RV camping sites in a scenic mountain setting. The campground has size restrictions prohibiting vehicles over 30 feet, with tight turns throughout the facility. Sites are positioned close together but offer beautiful lake access and fishing opportunities. The campground features standard amenities typical of Forest Service campgrounds. Lake San Isabel's beautiful setting makes it popular despite the compact nature of the sites. The nearby area may offer additional camping options with fewer size restrictions.

Are cabin accommodations available at Lake San Isabel?

No, Southside Campground at Lake San Isabel does not offer cabin accommodations. The campground primarily provides tent and small RV sites. For those seeking cabin-style lodging, check with the San Isabel National Forest office or nearby communities like Rye or Pueblo for alternative lodging options. Visitors requiring indoor accommodations would need to look beyond the immediate lake area for cabins or other rental properties.